Cross-Layer Clustering Optimization in Mobile Networks Using Evolutionary Algorithms

In this paper we present an evolutionary algorithm to tackle the aggregation network design in a mobile communication system. The design and optimization of this part of the network involves four different tasks: the determination of the number and location of the Base Station Controller (BSC) or Radio Network Controllers (RNC), the assignment of Base Stations (BTS) or B-Nodes to the controllers, the definition of the tree structure that links all the nodes with the controllers and, finally, the system assignment in the links between the different hops of the tree. The novel evolutionary heuristic proposed deals with all these sub-problem together and it is able to obtain good solutions, as will be shown in several real scenarios.